The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year is June 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. This is the federal deadline by which you must submit your FAFSA application to be considered for federal financial aid. However, many states and colleges may have earlier deadlines, so it's important to check with your specific institution for their deadlines. The FAFSA application season typically starts on October 1 of the year before the academic year. For example, the FAFSA for the 2026-2027 school year is expected to be available starting October 1, 2025. Additionally, corrections or updates to your FAFSA must be submitted by mid-September following the deadline, with the specific cutoff usually around September 14 of the calendar year following the submission deadline. It is recommended to file the FAFSA as early as possible after it opens because some financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and students who apply early tend to receive more grants. Summary for key dates related to FAFSA 2025-2026:
- FAFSA start date: October 1, 2024 (or a soft launch around December 1, 2024)
- Federal FAFSA deadline: June 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time
- FAFSA corrections deadline: Around September 14, 2026
Keep in mind that individual schools and states may have different priority or earlier deadlines, so make sure to check with them as well.
